Diversity Equity Inclusion Coordinator

CIRCUIT COURT FOR MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MARYLAND

Personnel Class Specification

Diversity Equity Inclusion Coordinator

DEFINITION OF CLASS

This position is responsible for promoting and incorporating an equity lens to shape strategies and initiatives within the Circuit Court for Montgomery County. The position will be integral to court leadership in its goal of ensuring that the highest quality experience for court personnel and patrons is delivered. The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Coordinator position is responsible for the identification, coordination and implementation of DEI strategies and initiatives in partnership with Montgomery County Government, the Administrative Office of the Courts and the Montgomery County Circuit Court. The candidate has a track record of success in implementing, training, and evaluating DEI policies, procedures, and programs for legal, government and/or non-profit organizations. The role requires a demonstrated ability to engage leaders and internal teams in the broader integration of DEI.

The DEI Coordinator is expected to have a thorough knowledge of Court organization, office practices, and make independent decisions in dealing with the public and employees. Information obtained in the course of the performance of these duties may be confidential or private in nature. The employee in this position must recognize that visitors to the Court may be under significant stress and ensure that they are treated with dignity and discretion as they obtain court-ordered services. As a representative of the Circuit Court, it is imperative that a high degree of judgment, tact, and diplomacy be exercised, and a professional demeanor maintained at all times.

The DEI Coordinator reports directly to the Court Administrator but is ultimately responsible to the Administrative Judge.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Assist in the preparation, design, redesign and development of procedures, business practices, forms, and automated support in accordance with statutory provisions and rules of procedure to implement and promote effective court practices.
• Liaison with court managers, case management supervisors, and the Clerk of the Court to ensure racial equity and support of groups including, but not limited to ALANA, LGBTQPIA+, first generation and low-income populations that the Court serves.
• Develop community partnerships that will enrich staff, judges, and the community members that the Court serves.
• Examine and redesign court business practices to help stakeholders build their capacity through an equitable lens.
• Prepare statistical reports prepared for submission to the Administrative Office of the Court as requested.
• Prepare DEI specific materials for ongoing initiatives.
• Create and design professional development opportunities focusing on the specific and unique needs of culturally diverse learners.
• Assist Court Administration with operational designs that could be more welcoming for culturally diverse litigants.
• Review job descriptions and job titles for inequities.
• Assist judges, attorneys, members of the public, and court personnel with questions and concerns regarding DEI.
• Attend and participate in meetings to discuss various court-related issues.

This job description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions. It does not prescribe or restrict additional various diversified tasks and assignments that may be required by the Judicial Officers and/or the Court Administrator.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability to work the full-time standard Court work schedule of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Monday through Friday) with flexibility to accommodate any necessary early or late meetings.
• Ability to maintain a regular, punctual and reliable level of attendance.
• Ability to work independently and have high level interpersonal skills to handle sensitive and confidential situations.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Knowledge of and ability to apply fundamentals of business/professional English, spelling, grammar, punctuation, as well as legal terminology.
• Ability to pay attention to detail in composing, typing and proofing written material.
• Ability to exercise a high degree of judgment, tact, diplomacy and competence in dealing with judges, attorneys, court personnel and the public.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and maintain a professional demeanor when dealing with court personnel and the public at all times.
• Ability to make decisions based on experience, good judgment, and established policies and procedures.
• Ability to set priorities and simultaneously process multiple duties and responsibilities.
• Knowledge of and ability to apply standard office practices and procedures.
• Excellent telephone manner and experience dealing with the public.
• Proficiency in Spanish (written and oral) is preferred but not required.
• Ability to develop and maintain collaborative and professional working relationships with court personnel and the public.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree is preferred with at least two years experience in justice administration, management, multicultural and diversity studies or a related field from an accredited university.
• Five years of progressively responsible or professional experience in diversity, equity and inclusion specialization, organizational management and/or employee training and development for a mid-size organization.
• Experience in designing, facilitating, and implementing professional learning activities related to inclusivity, diversity, equity, implicit bias and other barriers.
• Knowledge of and practice in implementing culturally responsive strategies and techniques.
• Excellent organizational skills and customer service are of the highest priority as well as competence and temperament to communicate with the legal community, in-house court personnel and the general public in a fast paced environment.
• Excellent oral communication skills, an even temperament and culturally competent interpersonal skills are high priority considerations for this position.
• Diversity practitioner certification is preferred but not required.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suites.
• Superior writing skills and command of English and legal terminology is essential.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by a person in this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties that may be performed by such a person.

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Additional Notes

1. It is a good idea to have your Cover Letter, Resume, and Writing Prompt prepared before you complete the Employment Application.
2. Your Employment Application will not be accepted until it has been fully completed and submitted with all three attachments.
3. If the Employment Application is not complete or the Court has not received all supporting documents, your submission will be returned to you. An email notification will be sent to you requesting further information.
4. You will be required to create an account if you need to save your Employment Application and complete it later.

For assistance or additional information about the Employment Application Process, please contact Court Administration at 240-777-9102 or by email at mccchradmin@mdcourts.gov.